Northwest Folklife is proud to announce that the organization has renewed its agreement with Seattle Center for another six years. The Seattle City Council voted on Monday, April 22, 2013 to approve the partnership between the nonprofit Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center, an arts, civic and family gathering place that is administered by the City of Seattle.

This six-year agreement is a continuation of an over 40-year long relationship between Seattle Center and Northwest Folklife. The agreement ensures both the presentation of the iconic Northwest Folklife Festival in the center of the city and Seattle Center as the home base for the organization through 2018.

Says Northwest Folklife Executive Director Robert Townsend, “We thank the City for this agreement. It continues the gift of the annual Festival to the people of Seattle and the region for years to come. Seattle Center has been our presenting partner since the first Festival in 1972, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and association.”

The combination of City support, voluntary donations from festival attendees, other donations and sponsorships obtained by Northwest Folklife, the work of hundreds of volunteers, and thousands of performers performing for free allow the annual Northwest Folklife Festival to be presented to the public free of charge.

“I am very pleased with Council approval today of the City’s agreement with Northwest Folklife, and I look forward to continuing our partnership in the years ahead. This annual Festival brings together our diverse community in joyful, interactive and highly harmonious ways—and represents the very best in the region’s collective creativity and cultural depth,” says Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams.

Northwest Folklife, in partnership with Seattle Center, will present the 42nd annual Northwest Folklife Festival this May 24-27. The Festival is a celebration of the art and traditions of the region, and provides opportunities for all to enjoy and participate in dance, live music, workshops, storytelling, hands-on family activities and more. More information is available at www.nwfolklife.org.